• CPU — The old single-core Atom Z530 has been replaced with a dual-core Atom N2600 for higher performance and faster graphics.
• Storage — The 128GB SSD is twice the size of the original, and it uses the much faster SATA interface instead of PATA.
• RAM — RAM memory has doubled to 4GB of faster DDR3. More RAM is always good, and DDR3 is more power-efficient.
• Camera — The camera is now 5mp instead of just 2mp, and it's much improved.
• WLAN — WiFi is faster (802.11b/g/n instead of just 802.11b/g), Bluetooth is version 4.0 (instead of 2.0)
• WWAN — There's now optional Gobi 3000 instead of Gobi 2000. Gobi 3000 doubles the HSPA downlink speed.
• Security — There's a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) module for data security.

After the updated Algiz XRW and the new Algiz 10X, the Algiz 7 is the third Handheld product using the Intel Atom N2600 processor, so here are a few words about the chip. The N2600 is not a successor to the Z530 "Silverthorne" processor used in the original Algiz 7. Instead, it's a third generation descendent (codenamed "Cedarview") of the Atom N270 that powered tens of millions of netbooks.

Codenamed "Cedarview," the N2600/N2800 was the first Atom family to use 32nm process technology instead of the older 45nm, making for smaller, more efficient packages. Cedarview processors are dual-core systems whereas before only desktop-oriented Atom versions had two cores. Graphics performance benefits from a different design and much faster clock speed, resulting in Intel claims of 2X graphics performance compared to the second generation Atoms. And integrated hardware-accelerated video decoding enables smooth full HD (up to 1080p) video playback, something that was not possible with earlier Atom chips.

Thanks to the 32nm process technology and additional power conservation measures, the N2600 has a maximum thermal design power of just 3.5 watts, considerably less than the 5.5 watts of the second-gen N450. The NM10 Express chipset is miserly as well, with a TDP of just 2.1 watts, making for a combined CPU/chipset maximum draw of just 5.6 watts.

In a vehicle analogy, the Algiz 7 is a true offroader ready for work, compared to the slim, glitzy media tablets that'd be light SUV crossovers with smartphone hook-ups and many cupholders. The Algiz 7 is a tough tool for outdoor jobs, one that lasts, has a long life cycle and industry expert support (with a price to match, of course). And the new version now offers performance on par with that of high-end Intel Core 2 Duo devices of not so long ago.

Technology updates to the Algiz 7 Summer 2013 include a switch to the significantly more powerful dual-core Atom N2600 processor, twice the (faster DDR3) RAM and twice the disk space, and TPM for data security.

With these updates, the tablet now offers very good computing power in this class (expect a 3x improvement over the original model), without compromising battery life. The 7-inch daylight-viewable wide-format resistive touch display with its 1024 x 600 pixel resolution is bright and responsive.

Like all Handheld products, the Algiz 7 tablet is rugged enough to be used in almost any environment, and its integrated bumpers protect against dents and scratches.

Compared to mass market media tablets, the price is high, but in terms of functionality for the jobs the Algiz 7 is intended for, it is well justified.

Overall, the substantially upgraded electronics in this latest version of the Handheld Algiz 7 rugged Windows tablet provide the performance and functionality needed for virtually any job out there in the field.

See the Algiz 7 page at Handheld website.

HHCS Handheld USA Inc.
456 SW Monroe Avenue, Suite 106
Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
Tel: (541) 752-0313
Fax: (541) 752-0338
Web: www.handheld-us.com
Email: info @ handheld-us.com